Conservation and Biodiversity Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Life Sciences
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Program Overview
The provide a foundation for understanding how ecology and evolution shape organismal features and the structure and function of communities and ecosystems. Topics covered range from the structure and function of ecosystems to the evolution of behaviour, morphology, and physiology. These programs will show how ecological and evolutionary perspectives can be used to understand and predict the outcome of dynamic interactions among organisms, populations, species, and communities. Students will be: well trained to take positions in government agencies, consulting firms or NGO鈥檚; able to continue graduate studies in science for academic careers; able to pursue careers in business or law related to environmental issues, stewardship and sustainable development.
Complementary Programs:
Specialist: Not applicable. Major: and programs.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Explore how organisms interact with the environment
- Conduct and design experiments
- Observe and make measurements on organisms
- Inspect specimens
- Collect, analyze and interpret data
- Utilize laboratory equipment
- Make projections from data
Careers for Graduates
- Conservation Officer in Government Services (TRCA, Parks Canada, Toronto Zoo, Oceans and Fisheries, ROM, etc.)
- Careers in the Ministry of Natural Resources
- Environmental Consultant in NGO鈥檚 (The Nature Conservancy, Ontario Nature, David Suzuki Foundation)
- University Researcher
- Lab Technician in Industry
Further Education
- Graduate Studies
- Public Policy
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability
- Law School
- Teacher Education
- Medical School
- Project Management
- Energy Management
- Environmental Technology
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 Biology credit: , .
- 1.0 Chemistry credit: , or .
- 1.0 Math credit: and OR and .
- 0.5 Physics credit from: , .
- 0.5 Computer Science credit from: , .
- Use and the to plan your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend (BioSA) BioAID Review Sessions for guidance with writing lab reports.
- Contact the for in-depth research assistance for your assignments; writing support is also available at the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on the (CLNx).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join and ECO; attend their activities and events.
- Join ; volunteer and go on their field trips.
- Volunteer with , , , .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September or register with 鈥檚 (SCSU) .
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 3.0 credits of Biology Core courses: , , , [ or BIOB31H3], , .
- 0.5 credit of BIO Core Labs: .
- 0.5 credit of .
- 0.5 credit in STATS from: , .
- Use and meet with your Program Advisor to plan your courses and program.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.
- Check the Research Catalogue on for possible research opportunities.
- Consider doing a directed research course ().
Apply Theory to Practice
- Take part in , an event where students can interact with leading scientists and learn about their research and career trajectory.
- Consider (Jobs & Recruitment>Work Study) for possible research opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Volunteer with .
- Consider completing ISC鈥檚 and look into their opportunities.
- Join: , , .
- Volunteer: , , .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (Jobs & Recruitment).
- If you are considering grad school, speak to professors and program advisors early so you know what to keep in mind.
- Explore careers through AA&CC鈥檚 and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit of Ecology & Evolution Foundation courses from: , , , , .
- 4.5 credits of C- and D-level Ecology and Evolution courses and Organismal Biology courses; at least 1.0 credit must be at the D-level (see for specific course lists).
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider entering the following Research Awards Contests: , , , .
- Continue to build your volunteer and work experience.
- Consider directed research courses: , .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Continue to build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the .
- Consider being a peer reviewer for the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Attend (for future medical students).
- Volunteer with DSL to be a . Consider other DSL activities such as intern with an NGO with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program.
- Attend a in your local community.
- Join: , , .
Plan for Your Future Career
- Speak with a staff member at the to plan a potential career path.
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions.
- Attend the in September.
- Join a conference like or to develop professional skills.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Consider taking a Senior Research course from: , , .
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund via DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
- Attend the weekly Biology Seminar Series (Fridays 12pm).
- Take upper-level directed research courses (, , ).
- Submit to UTSC鈥檚 .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in .
- Consider being an editor for the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
- Consider joining the executive team of the ; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 job search conference in April/May.
- Attend the orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥; find job opportunities on CLNx.
- If you are considering grad school, discuss your plans with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- BioSA - Biology Students Association (https://thebiosa.org)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- ECO - EnviroCare Organization (https://sop.utoronto.ca/group/envirocare-organization)
- ISC - International Student Centre (/utscinternational)
- NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
- TRCA - Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (https://trca.ca)
Contacts
Course Co-ordinator
Jennifer Campbell
E-mail: jac.campbell@utoronto.caLocation: SW421D
Phone: 416-287-7404
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Biology Students' Association
Biological Sciences Librarian
Sarah Guay
E-mail: sarah.guay@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7497
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Did You Know?
ECO UTSC is an environmentalist group at UTSC which serves to increase local environmental sustainability at the UTSC.